DSM's (sorta long)
 

So im thinking of a new project car to build up from the ground up. I went threw a bunch of autotrader, ebay, and cars ads with different type's of old import cars (rx7's, 240's, dsm's, acura's etc). I want to get something awd and dont feel like swapping engines since it will be a hassle and dont have the time. So I narrowed it down to a AWD DSM.

Basically I know much about the engine already (4g63) and i've been into evos and read a lot of information on them. Thing is they are really old cars and are often really beat on. I dont wanna purchase a car then have to replace the transmission right away because some idiot red-lined it everyday. So im coming to you guys for some help of how to pic out the right DSM. I heard its nearly impossible to find a clean one but thats alright with me.

I just registered on DSMtalk and checked out their classified's and found nothing interesting but some beat down POS's. I've never owned a mitsubishi and im thinking that their reliabilty is good, and since it won't have a warranty I wont have to worry about some dealers hassling me on mods like some evo owners do.

Ok lets get down to the point the basics im looking for:

-under 125K mileage and has an ok tranny
-has to be awd
-modified or not doesnt matter preferably not since it might be beat on more than an unmodified

Can someone explain when the AWD came out in what models? Im confused with that. Am I asking too much for this type of car? I want to see what kind of project I can build out of this. From exterior to interior to the engine.

How does the engine respond to mods? Is it like the evo's? or a little different? reflashes? what are typical mods to get it flying? Im looking to make it into a great car.

Thanks everyone, but keep in mind im just looking right now...if you can point me into directions that would be great {thumbup}

I've owned a couple of them, and we work on them still. I can tell you that pretty much ANY 1G (90-94) is going to be a basket case, requiring much money just to get back on the road or keep on the road. The cars are getting old, and every time you try to loosen a bolt, something else cracks off or starts to leak. Even the older 2G (95-99) cars are getting long in the tooth now, and most of the 2G cars we see are showing their age.

That's not to say it can't be done. Just be prepared to spend a lot on OEM replacement parts. It's gonna be the same for any 10-15 year old car, but I think it's easy to get ahead of yourself -- more than a few customers have asked me about GT35R turbo kits in the same breath they told me about their never-ending oil leak problems or timing belt tooth-skipping. Fix the basics first, then upgrade.

The motors do respond very well to mods. The Evo motor is definitely the pinnacle of the 4G63 line, but they're all the same at heart -- cast iron, bullet-proof block, somewhat doggy off-boost, and terrific power when the boost comes up.

For a daily-driver, a small-sized turbo -- Evo III 16G or a 50-trim Garrett -- will make great power but won't have terrible spool characteristics.

If the car is stock, prepare to mod the suspension (stock is way soft), and upgrade the brakes, which are teeny.

Ah...those were the days. My '91 GSX:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...tz/Misc/1G.jpg

--Dan
Mach V

Ahh why thanks for the reply.


Im looking around for 2G, my plans are:

350whp
Black on black on black
interior...basic racing seats cause the factor never cuts it for me, guages, rebuilding interior dash parts

First I was basically thinking that I would need to do regular mant...then move onto mods.

Could you give me some reputable sites? Or can I simply go to the evo ones? (cause i think they support 2G also.

Your car looks great, imo I like the 2G better

Just a couple more questions:

how hard are brake installs? With basic knowledge of auto's and installing parts?

Thanks :mitsu:

I would suggest Mach V Motorsports. About 9 years ago when I had a 91 Eclipse that is where I found the most support. 4G63...What an Awesome engine!

So let me get this straight...

Are parts that are for evos able to be installed on 2G DSM's?

nvm found out the answer..haha

more help is appreciated :D

new day bump for people with experience

thanks guys for your comments

only problem with 2g is that they tend to crankwalk with increased horsepower. most serious 2g owners do a 1st gen swap becuase they have 6 bolt flywheel's i think? (i can't remember i always get the numbers mixed up). either way, the 1st gen motor has been proven more reliable than the 2nd gen in most cases.

First, as far as parts from an Evo being able to be installed on a DSM, I would say most likely NOT... unless you're talking about something universal, like AFC or gauges. The 4g63's in DSM's and the 4g63 in the VIII & IX are symmetrical, so you should buy DSM specific parts (like intakes, exhausts, FM's, etc...) just to be sure.

Finding a good, non-molested, DSM is very difficult... trust me, I know. My 99, pictured below, I had shipped to me from Cali to Ohio a few years back. It was completely stock back then.

DSM's take really well to mods, though not was well as Evo's. But don't let the Evo spoil you because DSM's can be made fast and go-fast-parts are cheaper than they are for Evo's. If you're worried about getting a beat car, you just have to drive it and let your instincts take over as to how well it's been cared for. Ask for reciepts and makes sure the timing belt was changed when due (every 60 at least). A lot of DSM's have problems, but a lot of people mod the hell out of them without proper supporting mods and tuning.

Here's my GS-T w/ ~ 94.5k on the clock - stock internals, bottom end, trans, and it even has the original clutch. It's been boosting mroe than stock for a long time, though I take good care of her and she takes good care of me. It's got supporting mods for the power mods and has been dyno-tuned by a good tuning company to run hard and safe. I don't beat on it, though I put it though its passes at HPDE Mid-Ohio. Just did one last month. ANyway, here's the car:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...1144119280.jpg

I may be selling it shortly because I have the Evo now, but who knows.

Depends... mine is still fine. 6-bolts were in all DSM's up to 92.5, so some 1gs have the 7-bolt also.

Up to 92.5's also have a 4-bolt rear end, so if you're looking, whoever is selling a 92.5 or newer will usualy say 6/4 combo or something similar because they're more saught after.

I've also got a 94 as my daily driver. It's bone stock and has less than 80k on the clock. I've also been considering selling it, but I'm not sure. It's FWD. It's a good car and has some balls for what it is, which makes it difficult to want to get rid of :D

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...7/DSC03662.jpg

Another point I just thought of... the turbo that comes with any 2g (Garret T-25) is basically maxed out from the factory. You can up the boost, but you won't see much power and boost will fall like a bad habbit as your revs increase; and even so, you're just blowing hot air. So, upgrading the turbo in a 2g is a virtual must.

The turbo on the 1g is a very capiable turbo (14B manual, and 13G auto - not as capiable but who cares about autos anyway???). The 14B uses the same housing as the 16g, though 16g will definetly give you more power. If you want to go "pretty fast" for cheap, you don't need to upgrade a 1g turbo... I think the 14B has seen mid 12s, maybe better... but that's with a lot of other mods.

There are virtual bibles written on DSMs floating on the net, so check out some searches.
http://members.shaw.ca/costall/1000Q/
http://www.vfaq.com/index-main.html

Wow thanks for the replys.

Talon thanks for the info as well hotshot. Thing is im settled on a 2G black on black(i hate tan) but ethier way I will be swapping out the seats for some nice sparco's, cobras etc.

Ok yes, I found out that Evolution parts will not work, so I got that cleared up.

As for the modifications...I want to have a strong pulling 2G and i've heard that could be done with minor modifications just like you explained, talon. I was thinking of something like this http://www.dsmtuners.com/classifieds...ct=46354&cat=4

Anyways, talon, what kind of mods are you running? I've been in the evo world a little too long and have forgotten what type of mods will get me to where I want and as of right now im looking at the FAQ at what type of mods to do first. But I just wanted to get a first hand answer on what YOU did first.

Thanks man, and to tell you the truth your car is exactly what im shooting and aiming for. Sleek black and black rims. Sweet and sexy car, good job with it.

The 1Ga GSX with the pop-up headlights is my favorite model. The '90's have shifting issues, a weaker drivetrain, tiny brakes, and an ECU that eventually eats itself -- problems that were addressed in the later editions. I think it would be an expensive project car, especially if you do it right: rebuilt motor, ball-bearing turbo, AEM engine management, Quaife differentials, Muellerized suspension, bodywork and paint, etc. There's also lot to fix and replace on an old car. Good luck.

Here's my daily driver and eventual project car:

http://speedomodel.com/gsx/imgp3344-.jpg
http://speedomodel.com/gsx/imgp3355-.jpg

Hey but thats the fun of it :D

So I just threw something together off of machV's site

Mach V Strut Tower Brace
Tokico Shock/Spring Package: Spring/Shock Package: Illumina adjustable
NGK Spark Plug Wires
Walbro 255 lph High Flow Fuel Pump
Fidanza Cam Gears: Fidanza Cam Gear Clear
Polyurethane motor mounts
Flex-A-Lite Slimline Fan Cluster
Main Bearing Cap Alignment Dowel (MBCAD) Kit
Greddy Oil Catch Can
Fluidyne Aluminum Radiator
Turbo DSMs ACT clutch: 2600lb w/Full Face Plate
Buschur Racing 2.5-inch Exhaust
Buschur Racing 2.5-inch Downpipe: Mandrel-Bent Stainless Steel
Mach V Polished O2 Housing (internal)
Ported 1995+ Exhaust Manifold: Ported 2G Manifold - Stage 2
Turbo Wrap Kit
Exhaust Wrap Kit
Hallman Pro Boost Controller
Blitz SUS Power Air Filter
16G turbo upgrade ported and clipped
HKS External Wastegate: Buschur Racing Ported 2G Exhaust Manifold with External Wastegate Flange
Blitz Super Sound Compressor Bypass Valve (1995-1999 turbo)
ECU+ Tuning and Data Logging Package: ECU+ 2G DSM Plug-and-Play Package
Baer Racing Track Brake Upgrade


Opinons are welcome since im "kinda" new to the DSM world.

Im going to with something along the lines of that..maybe change up the ecu...to an aem EMS. I <3 the dark black on both of your cars, thats exactly what im looking for.

bump for opinions.